If we get the government we deserve, this trend surely defines how, and the trivialization of Chief Executive or Commander in Chief ought to mean more, not less.

“According to the storyline that drives many advocacy groups and Democratic activists – a storyline often reflected in comments on this blog – we are up against a sharply partisan, radically conservative, take-no-prisoners Republican party.”

Here’s the link:
http://obama.senate.gov/blog/050930-tone
_truth_and_the_democratic_party/index.html

Be sure to copy the entire link.

Now, since I’ve been asked to be positive, I will. If Obama has changed his mind since 2005 (it could happen) about what we are all facing from the Republican Party, I’ll certainly give his bid for the presidency another look. Because as I’m sure we can all agree – President Obama would be one of those prisoners who would not be taken.

Obama has not taken the “most progressive” stands on a lot of the key issues (on the war you could say he has – but then what has he done for us LATELY on that??) I DO take the Krugman criticisms seriously and I think no progressive should take his eyes off that ball, especially if (when?) Obama is elected. Obama will have a chance to disappoint on Social Security, on unions when he is elected.

But you’re right overall. Neither Barack Obama nor any other black politician can afford to get typecast as the “angry Black man”. Kiss of death. A black Edwards would be a man going nowhere. Those of my age and political views remember with fondness a Chicago mayor named Harold Washington who stood proud for his progressive principles and never bowed (as Obama has sometimes) but Harold’s universe was a city that was almost majority black. That isn’t a road to the presidency.

So the question is how much of the ‘conciliatory Obama’ is adaptation to this political/racial reality and how much is his core beliefs? After watching his victory speech, I am ready to cut him at least the same slack I would have to cut Hillary Clinton or John Edwards in light of their past deviations from the “path of righteousness”.

For those concerned about electability, I would suggest to you that Obama’s 2004 Senate campaign should put those to rest. I’m not talking about his no-contest win over the laughable Keyes, but his primary victory. In that election he went from being

1) the doubtful candidate of the liberal fringe to
2) being thought possibly viable if the white vote split among six opponents – to
3) actually winning a majority vote against multiple opponents.

He and his political style have a track record of being able to melt opposition – rather magically, it sometimes seems. Maybe I should stop fighting it?

At the end of the day, politics is a crapshoot. Sometimes you vote for “putting people first” and get NAFTA. Sometimes you vote for “fiscal conservatism” and get the New Deal. (History of 1932 FDR campaign is fascinating in light of subsequent developments).

So while I retract none of my worries about how Obama may ultimately disappoint, and while I still think the Krugman critiques have cogency, I think we have to give Obama a chance. Pretty soon, unless he screws up massively, he is going to be the Democratic nominee and then we’ll all have to pull for him anyway, despite misgivings.

So why not look at the positive side now?

Check these facts about the Iowa Caucus before you guys all rush to name Obama the next POTUS:

“George McGovern finished second in 1972—the year the modern caucus process started—and still won the Democratic nod. When Jimmy Carter won the presidency in 1976, he finished second in the Iowa caucus to “uncommitted.” George H.W. Bush defeated Ronald Reagan in the 1980 caucus. George H.W. Bush finished third in Iowa in 1988 and won the presidency that year. Michael Dukakis finished third in the 1988 caucus and won the Democratic nomination. Bill Clinton took third place in Iowa in 1992, with 3 percent; Harkin won 76 percent.”

This country is not going to enmass vote for a Black man for president…yet. I’m sure it will happen one day, but I’d venture a guess we’ll all be dead and gone when it happens. Edwards will most likely be the nominee on the ballot.

Go *O* 2008! The time is near.

As for his site 50% support Edwards, 25% support Obama, the rest split among everybody else in various fashion.

A couple of things raise questions for me: who brought Kos into this? I read that blog like I read many others; but I reserve the right to make up my own mind.

I was not aware that Kossacks didn’t like Obama, other than his use of Republican talking points – but then I don’t like his use of them either and I’m surprised that no one has told me why these terms – trial lawyers, lost elections, divided electorate, etc. are necessary.

Frankly, I was inspired by the writing in this blog to comment. I usually don’t. I tend to read, think and maybe write myself.

I’m glad that Obama has such a progressive voting record, but his acceptance of money from corporations bothers me tremendously because those folks don’t play. They always get what they pay for. Read Greg Palast’s The Best Democracy Money Can Buy and you’ll see what I mean.

Social security is not in trouble. But we need universal health care and we need to resolve issues with Medicare and I don’t believe that Obama’s positions on those two issues are the way to go.

That said, I’m looking forward to all of us working together after the convention supporting our Party’s nominee.

As a political junkie I have grown tired of our national dialogue. Obama is the only candidate that can change the tone and spirit of the political sphere and even though he is far too progressive for my personal political tastes he is at least a person I can respectfully disagree with. And the fact that he is african-american is actually a plus with me because I eagerly await post-racial politics and believe that a black president is a powerful symbol that that day is getting nearer.

Finally, even though I have never voted for a Democrat in my life, it is time for them to regain full political power. It is time to reform Social Security (yes, it is in serious long term financial crisis) and Medicare. The amount of tax increases and benefit cuts that will be necessary to save both programs will be in excess of $30 trillion. Obama, unlike most Democrats, seems to understand this and could bridge the gap between the parties.

Dealing with Global Warming in a more comprehensive fashion (the bill recently passed was a decent start but not by any means the end) and to deal with the healhcare industry problems would also be welcomed by me.

I guess I am one of the reasons that the Kossacks don’t like Obama. A white male conservative that has never voted for a Democrat before actually believes that an Obama presidency gives me and my family hope that some needed reforms can take place before it is too late.

Liberal Voting Ratings for Obama (higher is more liberal)
2006 – 95%
2005 – 100%

and for Edwards
2004 – 60%
2003 – 65%
2002 – 70%

http://www.adaction.org/votingrecords.htm

Now, this isn’t the only way to judge things, but Obama has walked the walk of being a liberal. Edwards has reinvented himself as a populist to try to appeal to the base without a real background as a liberal to back it up. Ignore the atmospherics and look at the voting records and you’ll see who the real liberal is.

Edwards is a talker. Talk, talk, talk. When he had an opportunity to make change in the US Senate, he did nothing except angle for a Presidential bid. All he wants is to be president, and if it means ignoring his actual (albeit, limited) record and masquerading as a populist, so be it.

You’re right about thanking George W. Bush and how his failure has moved the country to the left. Obama is a unique politician. I know a few conservative white evangelicals. They are planning on voting for Obama is the Democratic Primary (they switched registration to do so or live in open primary states). Brining more people into the tent, more people that want to believe in a solidly progressive person that manages to speak in a way which does not threaten them. And that’s a bad thing to Kos and the blogosphere? I don’t get it…or maybe I do.

On the bright side, Kos and friends were lambasting John Kerry in the run up to the caucus. Kerry won solidly, and their guy (Dean) failed miserably. Perhaps history will repeat itself!